Aquaponics farmers can, with a low-cost grow bed and tank system, produce leafy greens, including scallions, romaine lettuce, okra and basil, to name a few. The fish raised in conjunction are often tilapia, a hearty, fast-growing fish with easy saleability. Maximizing the nutrient stream is critically important when land is restricted. The use of animal’s waste to encourage the growth of aquatic plants and animals is an elegant solution to a waste water management problem.
Modern aquaponics offers a locally based, extremely high yield, food production facility that also provides permanent full time jobs for semi-skilled workers. Aquaponics is currently front and center in the realm of sustainable agriculture practices. The popularity of efficiently raising fish and plants in a recirculating system is a direct response to our need to choose a better way of eating, a better way of life.
Here are the top list for managing a successful commmercial aquaponics farm:
1. Get an education. No matter how fun, innovative and cutting edge aquaponics is, this is a business. Do your research and get informed and be... willing to invest in your farms future.
2. Diversify! Not only revenue but what you grow. More crops translates into more business.
3. Hybridize. Incorporate multiple systems to maximize your crop variety and efficiency of your farming operation.
4. Set realistic goals. Don’t jump into a farm venture with no capital in reserves and expect it to pay your bills in a few short months.
5. Sell, sell, sell! And do that before you grow it! Become very familiar with your market and build a tribe with your community.
6. Always err on the side of caution. Paint a conservative picture of the potential of these systems and small farms. It’s always better to exceed conservative estimates then fall short on over zealous ones. It also will help insure success.
7. Last, minimize overhead. Overhead should and can be minimized as much as possible without compromising productivity.
3. Hybridize. Incorporate multiple systems to maximize your crop variety and efficiency of your farming operation.
4. Set realistic goals. Don’t jump into a farm venture with no capital in reserves and expect it to pay your bills in a few short months.
5. Sell, sell, sell! And do that before you grow it! Become very familiar with your market and build a tribe with your community.
6. Always err on the side of caution. Paint a conservative picture of the potential of these systems and small farms. It’s always better to exceed conservative estimates then fall short on over zealous ones. It also will help insure success.
7. Last, minimize overhead. Overhead should and can be minimized as much as possible without compromising productivity.